The Portland Timbers announced the hiring of three assistant coaches for John Spencer, in addition to their trainer and strength/conditioning coach. Adding some MLS experience to a veteran crew of coaches that were around for the USL Timbers, Spencer hired a very talented group of individuals.

Joining the team from the Los Angeles Galaxy as an assistant coach, Trevor James has a wealth of playing and coaching experience in his resume. He played 10 years starting with Ipswich Town in 1975, traveling to Norway and England before finishing his career in Los Angeles playing in the Major Indoor Soccer League. James went onto coaching overseas for many years before his hire with the Galaxy in 2006. During his tenure, the Galaxy made an MLS Cup appearance in 2009 and achieved success in the playoffs. James also was the director of player development and youth academy director for the Galaxy, thus allowing him to work with many of the Galaxy’s young stars. James would also have working experience with current Timbers goalkeeper Steve Cronin, who played for the Galaxy from 2005 to 2008 before signing with Portland.

Spencer’s other hires were promoting current assistants from the USL Timbers club, as assistant coach Amos McGee, goalkeepers coach Adam Smith, trainer Nik Wald and strength & conditioning coach Karim Derqaoui will remain in those roles for the MLS Timbers. McGee joined the Timbers in 2009 as an assistant to then coach Gavin Wilkinson after completing a successful coaching stint with the former Minnesota Thunder and being elected to the United Soccer Leagues Hall of Fame. McGee also coached the first team in 2010 when Wilkinson was not available because of his MLS duties, and was a key component in the Timbers success back in 2009 with their 24 game unbeaten streak.

Smith signed with the Timbers coaching staff in 2010 after a lengthy coaching and playing career that saw him win a USL Second Division title with the Wilmington Hammerheads in 2003 as a player/assistant coach. Under his tutelage, the Timbers goalkeepers ranked near the top of the USL in shutouts, fewest goals allowed, and goals against average, and I will say that the combination of Cronin, Matt Pzydrowski and Adin Brown played some of their best matches later in the 2010 campaign.

Having met both gentlemen during the Timbers Fantasy Camp back in August, I can say that they are extremely knowledgeable about the game but also know how to have fun. I learned a great deal after just two short hours of guidance, and even when my results weren’t exactly professional, they were quick to add encouragement and input when needed. The Timbers should consider themselves fortunate to have two men of this caliber available as mentors for the team, and I feel their experience combined with James will make for a formidable coaching staff.

Wald has been the Timbers trainer for the past four seasons, while Derqaoui was hired in 2010 to improve the Timbers fitness and stamina. Judging from the results, the team has stayed relatively healthy for the past two seasons and when players were out with injuries, they were usually able to return rather quickly. With Spencer having a desire to play an attacking, up tempo style of play, it will be important to ensure that players are reaching their full potential with proper training. The added element of having experience with some members of the team and the unique playing conditions in Portland will also be an asset.